Over 500 people were arrested across France amid chaotic celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League triumph on Saturday night, according to figures released by the French interior ministry. Two people were reported dead and nearly 200 injured during the unrest.
The victory — PSG’s first-ever European title after defeating Inter Milan — sparked wild scenes across Paris and other French cities. But jubilation quickly turned to violence in some areas, particularly along the iconic Champs-Élysées, where police clashed with unruly crowds.
Authorities reported that by Sunday morning, 559 people had been arrested nationwide, with 491 of those arrests taking place in Paris. Of those detained, 320 people were held in police custody, 254 of them in the capital.
Police Chief Laurent Nuñez confirmed that one man in his twenties died in Paris after a collision with a vehicle, possibly linked to the celebrations. In a separate incident, a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed in the southwestern city of Dax, French media reported.
“We don’t yet know the full context of the fatality in Paris, but it appears at this stage to be connected to the festivities,” Nuñez told reporters.
Scenes of disorder unfolded on the Champs-Élysées, where bus shelters were shattered and projectiles were thrown at riot police. Officers responded with tear gas and water cannon in an attempt to disperse the crowds. The ministry reported hundreds of fires, including more than 200 vehicles set alight. A total of 29 emergency responders — 22 police officers and seven firefighters — sustained injuries.
Nuñez warned that further unrest could erupt on Sunday as PSG fans prepared for a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées, followed by celebrations at the Parc des Princes stadium. Strict crowd control measures were in place, with a maximum attendance of 100,000 set for the parade.
“Only those with access to the event will be allowed on site,” said Nuñez. “If there are attempts to block the ring road, attack law enforcement, or cause more damage, we will respond with firmness.”
The French government had preemptively deployed 5,400 police officers ahead of the final, anticipating mass gatherings in the event of a PSG win. Despite the preparations, authorities are now facing questions about crowd control and the escalating violence that overshadowed one of French football’s most significant victories.
